Parsons acquires Delcan

Parsons Corp. has acquired Markham, Ontario-based Delcan Corp., an international multidisciplinary engineering, planning, management, and technology firm that provides a broad range of integrated systems and infrastructure solutions to the transportation market. The firm is now called “Delcan, a Parsons Company.”

Delcan, incorporated as De Leuw Cather Canada in 1953 and operating under its present name since 1979, “is a strategic addition to Parsons and signals the firm’s intent to expand its geographic footprint in transportation, one of our corporation’s four key market areas,” said Parsons Chairman and CEO Chuck Harrington. “In addition to increasing our presence in Canada and other key strategic geographies in the world, the acquisition of Delcan continues the progression of our corporate objectives through the expansion of our transportation and infrastructure business lines and our suite of technology offerings. Moreover, the shared heritage of Parsons and Delcan combined with our shared values further strengthens the strategic and cultural fit of the organizations.”

The De Leuw Cather name is part of Parsons’ heritage. Founded in Los Angeles in 1944 by Ralph M. Parsons, the company acquired De Leuw, Cather & Company in 1977, eventually folding that firm into Parsons Transportation Group in 1996 during a corporate restructuring.

“Over its 60-year history, Delcan has been providing high-quality transportation solutions within the rail and transit, road and highway, structures, water, freight, and intelligent transportation systems (ITS) markets, developing a reputation for exceeding customer expectations,” said Harrington. “An acknowledged leader in ITS, Delcan will further strengthen Parsons’ offerings in this area across all markets. We’re enthusiastic to welcome our new colleagues to the Parsons team. They are innovative and technically savvy, and this combination will enable us to achieve even greater success.”

“Delcan has long prided itself on working with the most talented customers and colleagues in the industry,” said Delcan Chairman and CEO Jim Kerr. “We are passionate about delivering innovative work and believe that this acquisition will allow us to accomplish these worthy goals on an even greater scale. I look forward to working with Parsons to ensure that our customers continue to receive the best service possible.”

With revenues of approximately $126 million in 2013, Delcan has 800 employees working from more than 25 locations across the globe, including the United States, the Middle East, and Hong Kong. Delcan’s customers include all levels of government, regional network and transit operators, port authorities, and freight and logistics companies.